CVE-2018-15778 in OS10
Summary
by MITRE
Dell OS10 versions prior to 10.4.2.1 contain a vulnerability caused by lack of proper input validation on the command-line interface (CLI).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15778 affects Dell OS10 network operating systems versions prior to 10.4.2.1, representing a critical security flaw in the command-line interface implementation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing commands within the CLI environment. The flaw exists in the operating system's handling of user inputs through the command-line interface, creating an avenue for potential exploitation that could compromise the integrity and availability of network infrastructure managed by these devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software systems. The lack of proper validation allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted inputs that could bypass normal security controls and potentially execute arbitrary commands or access unauthorized system resources. This weakness in the CLI implementation represents a significant risk to network security as it provides an entry point for attackers to gain elevated privileges or manipulate system behavior through crafted command sequences. The vulnerability specifically impacts the CLI parsing and execution logic where user inputs are not adequately filtered or validated before being processed by the underlying system components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations relying on Dell OS10 devices for network infrastructure management. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute unauthorized commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of network services. The impact extends beyond simple command execution as the vulnerability could enable privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain administrative access to network devices that could then be used as launch points for broader network attacks. Network administrators face significant challenges in maintaining security posture when devices are running vulnerable software versions, as this flaw could be leveraged in various attack scenarios including lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15778 primarily focus on immediate software updates to Dell OS10 version 10.4.2.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure and network criticality. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to CLI interfaces, enforcing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and monitoring CLI usage for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems capable of identifying anomalous CLI command patterns that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure compatibility and prevent unintended service disruptions while maintaining the security posture of the network infrastructure.